No automaker is undergoing the metamorphosis that's happening to Volkswagen, although in this case the lineup revamp isn't driven by consumers or by the company's long-term product development strategy.
Instead, VW has been forced to revamp its range after admitting that its diesel-fueled models cheated emissions testing in the U.S. and abroad. As a result, you won't find a new turbodiesel VW in your local showroom, and you're not likely to any time soon.
MORE: Read our expert first drive of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
But that doesn't mean that there's not plenty of reason to shop VW. The company's gas models are now nearly as efficient as their turbodiesel predecessors, and not only do they cost less, but they also appear to comply properly with federal tailpipe emissions regulations.
For 2017, VW doesn't have any all-new models, but the company's upcoming, long-anticipated three-row crossover SUV, set to be named the Volkswagen Atlas, is nearly here. And VW is banking big on three-row crossovers; its compact Tiguan is finally up for a redesign that will bring a new, considerably bigger model with seating for seven.
If you need dirt road or snow capability but aren't concerned with bringing along more than four additional passengers, the company's Golf Alltrack may look at first like a Subaru facsimile, but it's nicely sized right in between the successful Crosstrek and Outback models.
Other changes for 2017 are pretty minor. Let's have a look:
2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
- Minor facelift up front.
- New Beetle Dune has raised suspension and unique styling (but is still front-wheel drive).
- #PinkBeetle (that's "hashtag Pink Beetle") model features unique pink paint and plaid upholstery.
- SEL adds automatic climate control, park assist.
- Lineup pared to Sport, R-Line Executive models.
- R-Line Executive now features standard automatic emergency braking.
- New model with standard all-wheel drive, additional ground clearance, off-road traction control mode, and unique interior/exterior styling.
- Based on Golf SportWagen.
- Three trim levels: S, SE, SEL.
- Lineup pared to S, Wolfsburg models.
- New Wolfsburg trim features standard automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitor.
- Minor trim package revisions.
- Performance Package standard on Sport, SE, Autobahn.
- Minor trim package revisions.
- All-wheel drive now available on base Golf SportWagen S trim with either automatic or manual transmission.
- Automatic emergency braking now standard on SEL, optional on SE.
- Lineup pared to S, SE, SEL, GLI trim levels.
- Rearview camera now standard on all.
- Wider availability of automatic emergency braking.
- Standard automatic emergency braking across lineup.
- New V6 SE with Technology trim level.
- Additional standard equipment on R-Line and SE with Technology trim levels.
- Wolfsburg and Sport trim levels replace SE and R-Line.
- Wolfsburg trim level replaces Lux.
- All models now include standard automatic emergency braking.
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